Progressive molding apparatus with adjustable locating means

ABSTRACT

A prefabrication installation is provided for moulded elements of concrete or other materials, each element having two opposite end faces, the elements being adapted to be disposed consecutively one after another and assembled together to form an assembly in which each element of the series engages by one of its end faces with the adjacent end face of an immediately adjacent element of the series. The installation comprises, for moulding an element of the series, a mould bounded at one end by that one of the end faces of the previous already moulded element against which the finished element will subsequently be engaged when the elements are positioned in a series or row. The mould also comprises formwork extending lengthwise of the element to be moulded between the two end faces thereof, such that the formwork bears on the previous already moulded element by way of at least one locating element co-operating with a complementarily shaped locating portion in the immediately previous element. Means are provided for predetermining the position of the locating portion in dependence upon the pattern of the required assembly and of the subsequent position therein of the element being moulded.

Muller PROGRESSIVE MOLDING APPARATUS WITH ADJUSTABLE LOCATING MEANS [75] Inventor: Jean M. Muller. Suresnes, France [73] Assignee: Societe d'Etudes de Genie Civil et de Techniques Industries. Paris, Frzmcc [22] Filed: July 17, I973 [21] Appl, No.: 380.107

[521 U.S. Cl. 249/20 [51] Int. Cl." l. [504G 11/20 [58l Field of Search 425/62-64;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1.269.807 6/1918 Goodwin 249/21 159L907 7/1926 Yziger n 249/20 1.6851112 9/1928 Yalger n 249/21] 3,003.21) 111/1961 Suter et all. 264/33 3.299191 1/1967 Muntscheff et a1, 264/34 31495801] 2/1971) Fisher 4 I I l I. 249/21) 157L835 3/1971 Buechler 264/33 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Germany i. 14/] 1 5 7 1 ABSTRACT A prefabrication installation is provided for moulded elements of concrete or other materials, each element having two opposite end faces. the elements being adapted to be disposed consecutively one after an' other and assembled together to form an assembly in which each element of the series engages by one of its end faces with the adjacent end face of an immediately adjacent element of the series The installation comprises, for moulding an element of the series a mould bounded at one end by that one of the end faces of the previous already moulded element against which the finished element will subsequently be engaged when the elements are positioned in a series or row. The mould also comprises formwork extending lengthwise of the element to be moulded between the two end faces thereof, such that the formwork bears on the previous already moulded element by way of at least one locating element co-operating with a complementarily shaped locating portion in the immediately previous element. Means are provided for predetermining the position of the locating portion in dependence upon the pattern of the required assembly and of the subsequent position therein of the element being moulded 2 Claims, 22 Drawing Figures PATENTEUAUB 51975 "3 897 927 SHEET 1 F/G. 3 FIG. :4

70d Ila 0a SHEET PATENTEU 51975 FIG 78 PATENTEU M13 5 I975 SHEET PROGRESSIVE MOLDING APPARATUS WITH ADJUSTABLE LOCATING MEANS This invention relates to a prefabrication installation for moulding elements of concrete or the like materials. each element having two opposite end faces, the moulded elements being adapted to be subsequently assembled together to form longitudinally-consecutive sections of a civil engineering work in which each element in the work abuts by one of its end faces with the adjacent end face of an immediately adjacent element in the work.

Such elements can be, for example, voussoirs for use in building bridges or elevated highways or else they can be sections of pipes or else they can be slabs, roof elements and so on, the list not being exhaustive.

The invention relates more particularly to a prefabrication installation comprising, for moulding a new or fresh element, a mould projecting beyond that one of the end faces of the immediately previous, already moulded element against which the new element will subsequently about when the elements are assembled in the work, the mould including a main longitudinal shuttering extending lengthwise of the element to be moulded.

Consequently, when the moulded elements are subsequently assembled together, each pair of cooperating end faces is in the form of two complemen tary or matching faces, one of which is an exact negative of the other. The elements can thus be assembled together without any seal or only with a very thin seal, e.g., using a quick-setting resin. This is the technique known as the technique of conjugated seals."

Difficulties occur when the required civil engineering work, e,g., a bridge superstructure, has a changing pattern or course, such as a non-uniform longitudinal profile, variable horizontal curvature, e.g., an S-curve, a variable and possibly reversing super-elevation or transversal slope, or any combination of these features. The two end faces of each prefabricated element must then be spatially oriented relatively to one another in accordance with a particular program which depends on the geometric characteristics (longitudinal profile, transverse profile, plan outline) of the required work. Consequently, the factors underlying the mutual orientation of the two end faces of each of the elements concerned depend upon the local value i.e., the value at the place where the element is to be positioned in the work of such characteristics.

One suggestion for adjusting the mutual orientation of the two end faces of a new element to be moulded by the conjugated joint" technique is for the previous already moulded element to be disposed in a cradle which can be oriented as required about three main axes. This process gives satisfactory results but makes it necessary to use relatively complex and expensive adjusting means and requires delicate handling.

This invention aims in general at the same target, namely adjustable mutual orientation of the two end faces of each of the moulded elements but with a simplicity and economy not previously achieved.

According to the invention, the aforesaid main longitudinal shuttering bears on the previous already moulded element by way of at least three abutment devices each co-operating with a complementarily shaped locating print in the said previous element; and means are provided for preadjusting the position of the said locating prints in dependence upon the pattern of course of the required work and of the subsequent position in said work, of the element to be moulded.

The main shuttering carries auxiliary moulding members which are provided to the same number as there are abutment devices and which serve to mould in said new element the locating prints which will subsequently co-operate with the abutment members when a next element is moulded.

The means for preadjusting the position of the locating prints have provision for altering the position of at least one of the auxiliary moulded members relative to the said main shuttering and/or for altering the position relative to the main shuttering of at least one of the abutment devices, said means enabling the or each auxiliary moulding member and/or the or each abutment device to be shifted lengthwise of the element to be moulded.

As will be described hereinafter, if the respective shiftings of one or more of the auxiliary mould membersand/or abutment devices are devised appropriately, the main longitudinal shuttering can be arranged to take up a position predetermined in dependence upon the geometry of the required work (e.g., a bridge). The said work can therefore follow any threedimensional changing pattern or course in any combi nation of variations of the plan curvature and/or longitudinal profile and/or superelevation profile.

According to another feature of the invention, which can if required be used independently, three is provided, for moulding an exposed surface of an element i.e., a surface extending lengthwise of the element between the two end faces thereof a deformable sheet-like mould member having two sides extending transversely of the element length, which transverse sides are secured to two independent rigid supports respectively which also extend transversely, and means are provided for shifting the said rigid supports relatively to one another. As will be seen hereinafter, this feature is very useful for moulding the non-planar top surface of a bridge of variable superelevation or transversal slope.

The following description, together with the accompanying exemplary non-limitative drawings, will show clearly how the invention may be carried into effect,

In the drawings:

FIG. I is a view in longitudinal section on the line II of FIG. 2 of a row or series of moulded elements produced by means of a prefabrication installation according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view in cross-section on the line II|I of FIG. 1 of one of the moulded elements shown therein;

FIGS. 3 to 6 are views in longitudinal section which show in diagrammatic form a number of consecutive phases in the operation of one form of prefabrication installation according to the invention, FIGS. 3 and 4 being sections on the lines IIIIII and IV-IV respectively of FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views on the lines VII-VII and VIIIVIII of the installation shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 9 is a view in longitudinal section to an enlarged scale of part of a longitudinal main shuttering equipped with an abutment device and an auxiliary mould member;

FIG. 9a is a view similar to FIG. 9. but of a variant;

FIG. I is a cross-sectional view on the line XX of a detail of FIG. 9;

FIG. II is a view in longitudinal section on the line Xl-Xl of FIG. 12 of a row of moulded elements similar to the row shown in FIG. I, except that the elements are of varying height;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view on the line XII-XII of FIG. I] of one of the moulded elements therein;

FIG. I3 is a cross-sectional view on the line XIIIX- III of FIG. 14, of another embodiment of a prefabrication installation according to the invention, of use more particularly for moulding elements of variable height;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are views in longitudinal section on the lines XIV-XIV and XV-XV respectively of the installation shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. I6 is a view in elevation, looking in the direction of an arrow XVI, of the installation of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a view in longitudinal section of another embodiment of a prefabrication installation according to the invention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view on the line XVIII- -XVI|I of the installation of FIG. 17; and

FIGS. I9, 20 and 21 are diagrams showing three different ways of adjusting an installation according to the invention so that when subsequently assembled, the moulded elements produced by the installation form a work, such as a bridge deck or an elevated highway, having a predetermined longitudinal profile or horizontal curvature or superelevation.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a prefabricated element V,, of concrete or some like material is prepared by moulding in an installation to be described. The element has two mutually opposite end faces 1, 2 and forms part of a row or series of similar elements which are adapted to be disposed in end-to-end relationship and assembled together to form longitudinally consecutive sections of an elongated civil engineering work in which each element in the work abuts by way of one of its end faces, e.g., face I, with the adjacent end face, e.g., face 2, of the immediately adjacent element of the work. It has been assumed in the present case that the elements are voussoirs for constructing the deck of a bridge or an elevated highway; in FIGS. I and 2 they are shown in the position in which they will subsequently be in the assembled work.

The longitudinal direction in an element is the direction from the one end face 1 towards the other end face 2, i.e., the horizontal direction in FIG. 1. The transversal direction in an element is thus the horizontal direction in FIG. 2.

Each element, see for example element V,, may be a portion of box girder comprising a bottom flange 3, two webs 4 and a top flange 5. Of course, these elements do not need to be hollow and may as well, as indicated hereinbefore, be constituted by solid, i.e., nonhollow slabs. It will be assumed hereinafter that the elements are moulded in their order of subsequent assembly V,, V V and so on in the finished work. The reference V,, denotes a new element which is still to be moulded, and so the immediately previous and already moulded element has the reference V,,-,.

As FIGS. I and 2 show, the element V,, has four (at least three) locating prints shown as recesses 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d which are, with advantage. distributed at the corners of a quadrilateral. The function of the locating prints will become apparent hereinafter.

FIGS. 3 to It] shows a prefabrication installation, which as can be seen more particularly in FIG. 3, comprises, for moulding a new element V a mould bounded at one end by end face I of the previous already moulded clement V,,. (which is the last element to have been moulded) the element V,, will subsequently be engaged with end face I of element V,, when the elements are assembled in a row or series in accordance with the conjugated joints technique previously referred to. The mould includes a number of outer main mould members such as 7. 8, 9 which extend. lengthwise of the element in longitudinal prolongation of the previous element V,, or to be moulded. To simplify the drawings. only three such mould members 7, 8, 9 have been shown. But there is also provided, to mould the outer surface of flange 5 of the element, an outer mould member (not shown) of any conventional type. All said outer mould members are rigidly interconnected together to form a main longitudinal unitary shuttering C, as shown in FIG. 8.

It will be assumed hereinafter that the general axis of moulding is vertical or at a slight inclination thereto, each element being cast or poured above the previous element. However, such axis can of course extend in any direction in space; for instance, each element can be cast substantially horizontally against the previous element.

By way of its other end face 2 the previous already moulded element V bears on a base 19 which may or may not be adjustable.

The main longitudinal shuttering C abuts against or is fixed to blocks l0a, 10b, lOc, lOd which respectively carry abutment devices 110, I lb, 1 1c, Ild respectively engaging with the locating prints 60, 6b, 6c, 6d in ele ment V,, The abutment devices and locating prints are complementarily shaped. For example, the abutment devices may consist of pins or studs, in which case the locating prints are recesses as illustrated. However, the converse arrangement could as well be used and at least some of the abutment devices could consist of recessed portions such as notches or recesses which would engage with locating prints in the shape of raised or relief projections of the element V,, Anchor means I2 may be used to secure the abutment devices 11a, llb, lie, I ldto the element V,, as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 4.

The main longitudinal shuttering C carries to the same number as there are abutment devices auxiliary mould members 13a, 13b, 13c, l3d for moulding the locating prints 60, 6b, 6c, 6d which will subsequently cooperate with the abutment devices when the next element V of the series is moulded (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

The co-operating abutment devices 110, llb, llc, lld and corresponding locating prints 60, 6b, 6c, 6d, therefore, allow to spatially locate (position and angular attitude) the main shuttering C relatively to the previous element V,. already moulded. This system therefore provides a very simple procedure enabling a civil engineering work, such as a bridge, to be built, which has any evolving course or pattern, for since the position and angular attitude of the main shuttering C depend upon the position of the abutment devices 110, l lb, I It, I Id, which position in its turn, depends upon the position of the locating prints 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, preadjusting the position of at least some of the said locating prints is a way of altering in advance the position and angular attitude of the main shuttering C in dependence upon the pattern or course of the work to be built and the position in said work of the elements to be moulded.

With this preadjustment in view, the auxiliary mould members 13a, 13b, 13c. 13d and/or the abutment devices 11a, llb, llc', lld, (or at least one of the said auxiliary mould members or abutment devices) are p sitionally adjustable relatively to the remainder of the main longitudinal shuttering C. To this end, and as can be seen to an enlarged scale in FIGS. 9 and 10, the shuttering C is pierced near each of the auxiliary mould members, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d with an elongated slot 14 extending in the longitudinal direction of the shuttering C and through which a screw-threaded pin 15 extends, one end of pin 15 having a respective auxiliary mould member (shown as 13d in the drawing), while the other end co-operates with a clamping nut 16 hearing by way of a plate 17 on the main shuttering C. Consequently, the position of the auxiliary mould members such as 13d can be adjusted relatively to the shuttering C by releasing the nut 16 and shifting the pin 15 in the slot 14, along a longitudinal path.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the position of an abutment device such as 11d, relatively to the main shuttering C, is invariable; however, this feature is not essential and, instead, the feature shown in FIG. 9a can be used wherein a block 210d (analogous to block 10d in FIG. 9) is formed with a longitudinal slot 213 (similar to the slot 14 in FIG. 9) in which a screw-threaded pin 212 rigidly secured to an abutment device, such as a stud 211d, can be shifted along a longitudinal path and clamped by means of a nut 216. Also possible is an arrangement wherein the stud 211d is longitudinally shiftable whereas the auxiliary mould member 13d is in a fixed position relatively to the longitudinal shuttering C.

In the example hereinbefore described, it has been assumed that the elements V V V are hollow, whereby to constitute consecutive sections of a tubular or boxgirder. In that case, an inside or core shuttering is used to mould the inside surfaces of the elements. This inside shuttering, which is of any conventional type and which, in a conventional way, is moved to match with the position ofthe outside or main shuttering C to which it may be connected by distance pieces, has not been shown so as not to complicate the drawings. However, already set forth hereinbefore, the moulded elements do not need to be hollow and may as well be constituted by solid, nonhollow voussoirs or slabs.

In the example hereinbefore described it has been assumed that the work (such as a bridge) to be built by subsequent assembly of the moulded elements is of a constant height (the height being the dimension be tween the flanges 3 and S), as shown in FIG. 1', clearly, however. the invention is not limited to this particular case and is also of use for prefabricating moulded elements of variable height, such as are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

A description will now be given, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16, of an installation of use more particularly for the moulding ofelements of variable height. In this case too, the main longitudinal shuttering C includes a number of main longitudinal mould members. To simplify the drawings, only three such longitudinal members 107, 108, 109 similar to the main longitudinal mould members 7, 8, 9 previously described can be seen. The longitudinal mould members 107, 108, 109 are rigidly interconnected, but can be temporarily disengaged from one another so that the position and/or inclination of the longitudinal mould members 107, and therefore the height of the element V, to be moulded, can be varied. The longitudinal mould member 107 bears on the previously moulded element V,. by way of two abutment devices 111e, l 1 Id carried by blocks 1 10d and co-operating with the locating recessed prints 61', 6d respectively. Near the zone where it bears on the element V,, the longitudinal mould member 107 has two portions 107x and 107 which project laterally outside the webs 4 and on which the longitudinal mould members 108, 109 bear, as shown in FIGS. 13, 15 and 16. The members 108, 109 also hear on the already moulded element by way of abutment devices 1110, l 1 lb carried by blocks 110a, 1101) and co-operating with the locating prints 6a, 6b respectively. As in the previously described embodiment, the main shuttering C carries auxiliary mould members 113a, 113b, ]]3(, H311 similar to the auxiliary mould members 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d hereinbefore described. The main shuttering C is adjusted as hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 9, 9a and 10.

FIGS. 19 to 21 show various ways in which the installation can be adjusted so that the work, such as a bridge, built upon subsequent assembly of the moulded elements may have any desired evolving pattern or course. As hereinbefore described, each moulded element or voussoir V,,., has four locating prints 60, 6b, 6c, 6d which may be thought of as defining the geometric shape and angular attitude of the new element V, to be moulded in the installation. Of these locating prints there can be seen (see FIGS. 1 and 2) two top lo eating prints 60, 6b, two bottom locating prints 6c, 6d, two left-hand locating prints 6a, 6d and two right-hand locating prints 6b, 61'. Like locating prints in two consecutive elements, such as V,, and V,, are separated from one another by distance l,,,1 1,, 1,, respectively i.e.,1,,== 6a6a; 1,, 6b6b and so on. The simplifying assumption will be made that the required work (bridge) is of constant height. As a rule 1,, =1 =1, =1,

If the position, for instance, of one locating print 60 is altered, the associated distance 1,, varies correspondingly. It can be shown that the length L,, near the zone concerned in the event, the top left-hand part of the element V is substantially equal to the distance I between the locating prints 60 in the previous already moulded element V e and the penultimate already moulded element V,,e Once the distances 1,,, 1,,, 1,, 1,, for the last two elements which have already been moulded are known, it is possible to predetermine the lengths L,,, L,,, L,., L, in the various zones concerned of the new element V to be moulded and therefore to predetermine the shape thereof and its angular attitude relative to the previous element V,,.,.

For instance, FIG. 19 relates to the case of a work having a variable longitudinal profile. This result can be readily achieved by devising matters so that simultaneously: 1,, 1,, and 1,, 1,.

FIG. 20 relates to the case ofa work with a horizontal curvature, produced by devising matters so that simul taneously: 1,, 1,, and 1,, 1,.

Finally, FIG. 21 shows how a variation of the transverse profile or superelevation can be produced by devising matters so that simultaneously: 1,, 1,, and i 1... Clearly. combining the three adjustments just described will enable the work to have any evolving threedimensional or course. Adjustment is by shifting in the longitudinal direction. to suit circumstances. one or more of the auxiliary mould members 13a. 13b. I30. l3d and/or abutment devices Ila. I lh. I I0. 1 Id.

FIGS. 17 and I8 show prefabrication installation for producing moulded elements, which may be used more particularly in the case wherein said elements are intended to constitute the consecutive sections ofa work. such as a bridge, having a variable superelevation (or transversal slope).

As shown in FIG. 21, the exposed surfaces, more particularly of the top flange S and bottom flange 3. in such a work have now planar surfaces. which may cause moulding difficulties. The same can readily be overcome if the main longitudinal mould members used for moulding the top flange and bottom flange of an element V,. to be moulded are sheet-like deformable mould members (for example of thin sheet metal). such as S or T. of which two mutually opposite sides 5. and S (or T, and T extend transversely of the longitudinal direction of the element. The two transversal sides S. and S of the sheet-like deformable mould member S are respectively secured to two mutually independent, rigid supports P, and P such as two lattice girders which also extend transversely and which can be shifted relatively to one another. Similarly, the two transversal sides T. and T of the sheet-like deformable mould member T are respectively secured to two mutu ally independent. rigid supports 0. and Q such as two lattice girders which also extend transversely and can be shifted relatively to one another in the superelevated portion.

As will be understood, shifting of two rigid supports (say P and P relatively to one another entails the same shifting of the two transversal sides (S and S to which they are secured. The deformable sheet-like mould member (S) becomes thus deformed and nonplanar, while still retaining two straight sides (S and S as desired for moulding the non-planar surface shown in FIG. 21.

The lattice girders P and 0,, P and Q are interconnected by way of rods 330, 331 so that the mould members S, T are rigidly interconnected to form a main shuttering C which bears on the previously moulded element V,, by way of four abutment devices 311a, 3] lb. 3i lc. 311d, respectively carried by four blocks 310a. 3l0b, 3100, 310d and co-operating with the locating prints 60. 6b, 6c. 6d respectively. As previously described, the main shuttering C carries auxiliary mould members 3I3a, 3l3b. 313e, 3l3d which except as regards the place of the mould members 313a. 3l3b are similar to the auxiliary mould members 13a. 13b, 13c, l3d previously described. The main shuttering C is adjusted as hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 9. 9a and I0.

Clearly, the embodiments described are only examples and can be modified. inter alia by the substitution of technical equivalents, without departure from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

I. An installation for prefabricating in succession a series of consecutive sections of an elongated civil engineering work, each section consisting of a precast molded element of concrete-like material having two mutually opposite end-faces and a side surface extending between said two end-faces in a longitudinal direction from one to the other of said two end faces. said installation being designed for molding a new element of the series against an end-face of an immediately previous. already-molded element of the series. and comprising:

a number of longitudinal main mold members at least some of which are interconnected together to form a unitary main longitudinal shuttering projecting in longitudinal prolongation of said previous. alreadymolded element. said main shuttering having two longitudinally spaced end regions including a first end-region which is proximal with respect to said previous element and a second end-region which is distant with respect thereto;

means interconnecting said main shuttering and said previous, already molded element for accurately positioning said main shuttering with respect to said previous element, said means including at least three mutually spaced, non-aligned abutment devices near said proximal end region of said main shuttering and each engaging with a respective complementarily shaped locating print formed in the side surface of said previous. already molded element; and

at least three auxiliary mold members located at said distant end region of said main shuttering, each in respective longitudinal alignment with a corresponding one of the said abutment devices for molding in said new element of said series, locating prints for subsequent engagement with said abutment devices during the molding of the next element of the series; wherein the improvement comprises:

at least one rectilinear, elongated guideway fixed in position with respect to said main longitudinal shuttering and extending in the longitudinal direction of said shuttering at said distant end region thereof in longitudinal alignment with one of the said abutment devices;

a slide-block integral with said one of said auxiliary mold members which corresponds to said one abutment device and slidable along said longitudinal guideway whereby said one auxiliary mold member is adjustable along a longitudinal path with respect to said main longitudinal shuttering; and

clamping means for locking said adjustable auxiliary mold member in any preselected position along said longitudinal path.

2. An installation for prefabricating in succession a series of consecutive sections of an enlongated civil engineering work, each section consisting of a precast molded element of concrete-like material having two mutually opposite end-faces and a side surface extending between said two end-faces in a longitudinal direction from one to the other of said two end faces, said installation being designed for molding a new element of the series against an end-face of an immediately previous. already-molded element of the series. and comprising:

a number of longitudinal main mold members at least some of which are interconnected together to form a unitary main longitudinal shuttering projecting in longitudinal prolongation of said previous. alreadymolded element, said main shuttering having two longitudinally spaced end regions including a first end-region which is proximal with respect to said previous element and a second end-region which is distant with respect thereto;

means interconnecting said main shuttering and said at least three auxiliary mold members located at said distant end-region of said main shuttering, each in respective longitudinal alignment with a corresponding one of said abutment devices for molding in said new element of said series. locating prints for subsequent engagement with said abutment devices during the molding of the next element of the series; wherein the improvement comprises:

at least one rectilinear elongated guideway fixed in position with respect to said main longitudinal shuttering and extending in the longitudinal direction of said shuttering near said proximal end region thereof in longitudinal alignment with one of said auxiliary mold members;

a slide-block integral with one of said abutment devices which corresponds to said one auxiliary mold member, and slidable along said longitudinal guideway whereby said one abutment device is adjustable along a longitudinal path with respect to said main longitudinal shuttering; and

clamping means for locking said adjustable abutment device in any preselected position along said longitudinal path.

i i l 1nventu1(s) n M- Muller It is (CY 112 and that 8311 La [73] Assignee:

[SEAL] line 2,

A ttest:

that erro'i "Industries" should be Industrielles" Signed ahd Scaled this twentieth D y f January1976 RUTH C. MASON A resting Officer C. MARSHALL DANN Commissioner oj'latenrs and Trademarks 

1. An installation for prefabricating in succession a series of consecutive sections of an elongated civil engineering work, each section consisting of a precast molded element of concrete-like material having two mutually opposite end-faces and a side surface extending between said two end-faces in a longitudinal direction from one to the other of said two end faces, said installation being designed for molding a new element of the series against an end-face of an immediately previous, alreadymolded element of the series, and comprising: a number of longitudinal main mold members at least some of which are interconnected together to form a unitary main longitudinal shuttering projectIng in longitudinal prolongation of said previous, already-molded element, said main shuttering having two longitudinally spaced end regions including a first end-region which is proximal with respect to said previous element and a second end-region which is distant with respect thereto; means interconnecting said main shuttering and said previous, already molded element for accurately positioning said main shuttering with respect to said previous element, said means including at least three mutually spaced, non-aligned abutment devices near said proximal end region of said main shuttering and each engaging with a respective complementarily shaped locating print formed in the side surface of said previous, already molded element; and at least three auxiliary mold members located at said distant end region of said main shuttering, each in respective longitudinal alignment with a corresponding one of the said abutment devices for molding in said new element of said series, locating prints for subsequent engagement with said abutment devices during the molding of the next element of the series; wherein the improvement comprises: at least one rectilinear, elongated guideway fixed in position with respect to said main longitudinal shuttering and extending in the longitudinal direction of said shuttering at said distant end region thereof in longitudinal alignment with one of the said abutment devices; a slide-block integral with said one of said auxiliary mold members which corresponds to said one abutment device and slidable along said longitudinal guideway whereby said one auxiliary mold member is adjustable along a longitudinal path with respect to said main longitudinal shuttering; and clamping means for locking said adjustable auxiliary mold member in any preselected position along said longitudinal path.
 2. An installation for prefabricating in succession a series of consecutive sections of an enlongated civil engineering work, each section consisting of a precast molded element of concrete-like material having two mutually opposite end-faces and a side surface extending between said two end-faces in a longitudinal direction from one to the other of said two end faces, said installation being designed for molding a new element of the series against an end-face of an immediately previous, already-molded element of the series, and comprising: a number of longitudinal main mold members at least some of which are interconnected together to form a unitary main longitudinal shuttering projecting in longitudinal prolongation of said previous, already-molded element, said main shuttering having two longitudinally spaced end regions including a first end-region which is proximal with respect to said previous element and a second end-region which is distant with respect thereto; means interconnecting said main shuttering and said previous, already-molded element for accurately positioning said main shuttering with respect to said previous element, said means including at least three mutually spaced, non-aligned abutment devices at said proximal end-region of said main shuttering and each engaging with a respective complementarily shaped locating print formed in the side surface of said previous, already molded element; and at least three auxiliary mold members located at said distant end-region of said main shuttering, each in respective longitudinal alignment with a corresponding one of said abutment devices for molding in said new element of said series, locating prints for subsequent engagement with said abutment devices during the molding of the next element of the series; wherein the improvement comprises: at least one rectilinear elongated guideway fixed in position with respect to said main longitudinal shuttering and extending in the longitudinal direction of said shuttering near said proximal end region thereof in longitudinal alignment with one of said auxiliary mold members; a slide-block integral with one of said abutment deviCes which corresponds to said one auxiliary mold member, and slidable along said longitudinal guideway whereby said one abutment device is adjustable along a longitudinal path with respect to said main longitudinal shuttering; and clamping means for locking said adjustable abutment device in any preselected position along said longitudinal path. 